Travel Advisory
Level 3Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travelin Nicaragua due to risk of crime, health, wrongful detention, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are generally not allowed to drive after dark due to safety risks. These include inadequate street lighting and poor road conditions. However, they are allowed to drive at all times in Managua and on Carretera Masaya between Managua and Granada. U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are not allowed to use public transportation due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are not allowed to go to these places due to safety risks: Managua's Mercado Oriental Managua’s national baseball stadium Casinos and strip clubs Non-personal service contractors traveling to Nicaragua on official U.S. government business must travel on a service passport starting April 15, 2026. Wrongful Detention The U.S. Department of State has determined that U.S. nationals are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of Nicaragua. Wrongfully detained U.S. nationals may be held in prison for years, in poor conditions, and without due process or consistent access to U.S. government staff or their family. Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs but be aware that local laws are often applied arbitrarily to those who are seen as government opponents. Foreign travelers may face an increased risk of detention and harassment, even if you are also a citizen of Nicaragua. The U.S. embassy will work to monitor your health and safety in detention but cannot guarantee your release. Most U.S. nationals who are convicted of committing a crime overseas serve out their sentences in prisons in that country. Arbitrary enforcement of local laws Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several weeks or more. Offenders of some crimes can face 50 or more years in prison. The embassy cannot guarantee your release. The Government of Nicaragua has imposed some exit bans on U.S. citizens that prevent them from leaving the country without a fair and transparent process under the law. Authorities carry out expulsions, arrests, revocations of Nicaraguan citizenship, and other actions: On January 16, 2026, the Government of Nicaragua changed its constitution to prohibit dual nationality. Some previously dual Nicaraguan-U.S. citizens have had their Nicaraguan citizenship revoked. Individuals documented as U.S. citizens might no longer be considered Nicaraguan citizens. Authorities may seize property, including land, homes, cash, and financial assets, without warning or legal justification. Officials may search phones, computers, and social media for anti-government content. Personal devices may be confiscated. Public photography in Nicaragua is restricted and may result in penalties, especially for photography of government buildings or police activities. Drones are illegal. U.S. citizens may be denied entry or prevented from leaving Nicaragua without explanation. The Nicaraguan government has targeted: Nongovernmental organization (NGO) workers Teachers, professors, researchers, and students Business representatives Civil society leaders Religious and charity workers, including missionaries Journalists U.S. government employees, both active and former Crime Violent crime, including robberies, sexual assault, and murder can occur anywhere in Nicaragua. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Health Medical services for routine and emergency care are limited. Comprehensive quality healthcare is available only in Managua. Medical clinics outside of Managua lack basic resources and supplies. Managua has only one hospital with Joint Commission International certification. Labs and radiology services may be available, but the number of specialists is limited, especially for acute emergencies. Public hospitals are understaffed and lack basic supplies, modern equipment, and trained specialists. Travelers with preexisting medical conditions or those requiring regular medical care should reconsider traveling to Nicaragua. Hospitals throughout the country may not be able to assist in emergencies. Medical evacuation to the United States may be the only option in some cases. Medical evacuations are expensive and often are not covered by most insurance. Tap water is generally not potable. Drink only bottled water. Natural Disaster Nicaragua regularly experiences hurricanes and tropical storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Review our information on weather and natural disasters in Nicaragua.
Full advisory on travel.state.gov →Updated: 2026-05-13T20:00:00-04:00
